I have a very intricate to-do list. It’s separated into multiple lists in the same database, each with their own project subdivision. The metadata on these task items also indicate a context, and the software I use allows me to filter tasks (the software refers to this as a ‘perspective’) by context and project. This allows me to really slice up my list and shorten it only to what can be accomplished during my work time, rather than be threatened by all of the things I can’t do at the moment.

Another day, another lesson learned from tech support. This time, it’s the scenario that has played out so many times over both of my careers in tech: someone complains about a bug, or something that doesn’t work properly. I ask them to replicate it so I can see it happen. The person tries to replicate the issue, and this time, there’s no problem. And they always say this line: “it’s because you’re standing here!

I used to think that a happy person was someone full of smiles. Someone who, upon hearing tragic news, would shrug it off and smell the roses. Someone who you couldn’t shatter with bad news. A happy person, to me, was invincible. And sometimes, you’ll hear this adage that you can choose to be happy if you want to be. But considering that in 33 years, I’ve never met such a person, perhaps we shouldn’t spread this idea of happiness being a choice.

There’s a website called Let Me Google That For You. It is a by-product of the way that many people solve problems. Specifically, that people are quick to assume that when they don’t have answers, the obstacles that need to be overcome in order to get answers are insurmountable. Whenever someone asks you a question that can be easily googled, you’d go to LMGTFY, type in the search query and send the resulting link to your stumped friend.

In most restaurants, dessert is the thing they try to push on you after you’ve already eaten a big meal. So you have your ice cream, or pie a la mode, and then collapse into a big heap on your bed while contemplating going on a diet. Chinese restaurants give the same dessert with every meal, for the most part: a fortune cookie. And of course, the cookie isn’t even that sweet.